Pope Francis plans to meet with top Roman Catholic officials next year to discuss the growing number of sexual abuse cases involving Catholic clergy. The Vatican said Wednesday the leaders of the national bishops' conferences would meet with Pope Francis from February 21 to 24. They are expected to talk about clergy sexually abusing children and years of church officials covering up abuse claims against parish priests. The meeting of more than 100 Roman Catholic officials is believed to be the first of its kind and a recognition that church leaders think the sex abuse scandal is an international problem. The church is facing abuse scandals in the United States, Chile, Australia and Germany, among other places. The Vatican announcement came a day before Pope Francis is to meet with U.S. Catholic Church leaders. They are to discuss the church's sexual abuse scandal in the country and the cover-up of years of abuse claims against hundreds of parish priests.
What does parish mean?
an area that has its own local church and priest or minister
an established path through the wilderness
an increase in value
an American peace plan
The church is facing what in the United States, Chile, Australia and Germany, among other places?
payment plans
arrest records
fines
abuse scandals
The Vatican announcement came a day before Pope Francis is to meet with U.S. Catholic Church leaders.
The press release
The test
The Vatican announcement
The Berlin Wall